Introduction to CATIA

Parameters and Automation

Tom Swindell
IBM PLM Technical Support
Topics
• Constraints
• Parameters
• Creating Formulas from Parameters
• Creating Design Tables from Parameters
• Creating Catalog from Design Tables
 Constraints
• To create a Pad (solid) in V5, the Sketcher workbench is used.
• A sketch is created on a 2D plane in 3D space.
• The geometry is ‘sketched’ roughly in position using various tools.
Adding Constraints to a Sketch
• Since geometry is roughly sketched, it must be modified to
capture design intent.
• Geometry can easily be modified by applying / changing
constraints.
• Contextual horizontal and vertical constraints are added first.
Other contextual constraints include, parallel, concentric,
coincident, etc.
• Dimensional constraints, similar to dimensions, are added next.
Sketch with Constraints Added
• Fully constrained geometry turns green. Dimensional Constraints
Contextual Constraints
Sketch with Constraints Added
• Constraints can be easily modified by double-clicking and
changing the values.
• Geometry is automatically updated.
Sketch with Constraints Modified
Parameters
• Constraints are the starting point for automation.
• Constraints are made up of Parameters.
• The Formula function is used to work with the constraint
Parameters.
• The function is included with base CATIA configurations.
Editing Parameters of Constraint
• Renaming PartBody\Sketch.1\Length.13\Length….
Editing Parameters of Constraint
• …. to block_length
• This makes the parameter easier to find and gives it a
functional name that can be used later.
Editing Parameters of Constraint
• We can use constraints to control other constraints using
Formula Editor.

• Examples:
Set one constraint = to another
Set one constraint = to another/2
etc..

• Formula Editor is accessed by right-clicking (MB3)

constraint.
Editing Formula of Constraint

• Right-click constraint.

• Select Edit Formula

Formula Editor
• Setting Length.14 = block_length/2
• Double-click block_length from right side of panel.
• Enter formula: block_length /2
Modified Constraint
Set Tools-Options to Visualize Formula in Tree
Editing Parameters to Control Features
• Features such as holes, fillets, chamfers, drafts, etc. can
be turned off/on by changing parameters.
Editing Parameters to Control Features
• Hole is deactivated when Activity = false
• Can easily be reactivated.
• Can be controlled by program / macro.
Design Tables
• Parameters can be stored in a table or Excel file to control
multiple configurations of a part.

• This allows control over the design, limiting the combinations

allowed.

• Parameters (constraints) included in Design Table cannot be

changed by the user.

• User does not have to guess if modifications will work.

Design Tables
• Assume we want to make
multiple bottles using the
Sketch constraints.
Design Tables
• Not all constraint changes are good.

• Proven constraint values are

tabulated to provide viable designs.

• Can easily switch between

configurations and part updates
accordingly.

• Decreased likelihood of bad designs.

• Capture company knowledge.

Renaming Parameters for Design Table bottle_height
neck_angle
• Change names to something meaningful. transition_radius
• Easier to find parameters when creating design table. base_height
neck_radius
base_width
Creating Design Table
• Renamed parameters will be added to Design Table
• Design Tables are included with base CATIA configuration.
Creating Design Table
• Select renamed parameters to add to design table.
Creating Design Table
• Design table is created.
• Select ‘Edit table’ to edit .xls file.
Creating Design Table
• Excel file is created with renamed parameters and their values.
Creating Design Table
• Values are added to the spreadsheet to create other bottle designs.
Creating Design Table
• Design Table is shown in the tree.
• Double-click Configuration to
change part configuration.
Applying Design Table Configurations
• Select and Apply configuration to see part update.
Creating Catalog from Design Table
• Catalogs are collections of part to be used in multiple places.
• Catalog items are instantiated (copied) to CATProducts.
• Design Tables can be used to populate Catalogs.
Creating Catalog from Design Table
• Create Catalog using File-New-CatalogDocument.
• Add ‘Part Family’ in Catalog Editor workbench.

** Design table must have PartNumber field.

Questions?